Samson

Eight

It's dark when I get home and the house feels cold and lifeless. Dad's asleep when I check in on him and snoring, I peck a quick kiss on the top of his head and tuck his blankets in tighter. I'm a little disappointed to find him snoozing, words about Sam are on the tip of my tongue ready to spill out. 

"You'll have to do," I say to Randall, falling into bed and pulling his plush blue body into my chest, squeezing tight. "You're the best to talk to about this anyway, you never gossip behind my back." His stitched eyes stare blankly into mine. "That I know of." 

I tell Randall all about Sam and our walk to the bus, and about Shane and how he's been warming up to me lately, or I'm warming up to him, I tell him that my cheeks might be permanently altered by the number of times I blushed tonight, and that Sam introduced me to his friends, who I think are cool. "Their names are Abigail and Sebastian. I think you'd like her, neither of you feel the need to subscribe to conventional hair colours." 

My phone lights up with a text, something I'm definitely not used to. 

I open the message from Sam but it's just a string of gibberish. KJDhfidj'

My shoulders sink in disappointment. It must have been an accident. 

My phone buzzes again. 

Sam: sorry sat on my phone

and again

Sam: what you up to?

I smile in relief. 

Me: not much, just talking to my friend Randall

Sam: oh ok cool, I'll let you go then

I line Randall up on top of my pillow, carefully arranging his feet and wings so he looks at his cutest and snap a photo to send through to Sam. 

Me: Sam please meet Randall

Sam: what a relief, pleasure to meet you sir. wish I was there in person so I could shake your hand

Me: a relief?

Sam: I was picturing some handsome 6'4 football star who could totally kick my ass

Me: Randall could still kick your ass

Sam: I don't doubt it, look at those wings, I can tell he's working out all day while you're at work

Me: ok stop trying to charm my chicken

Sam: charm my chicken is a great name for a song

Sam: Sebastian said charm my chicken is a terrible name for a song

Me: I think Sebastian might be right

Sam: I never would have introduced you guys if I knew you'd be ganging up on me like this

Sam: phone is about to die, give Randall a respectful nod goodnight from me

I read through our messages a couple more times before I put my phone down, smiling so hard I have to massage my cheeks. My body is so full of emotion I kick my feet against the blanket like an excited toddler. I read the messages out to Randall so he can get the whole story and hear what Sam had to say about him. "What do you think?" I ask him. "You've got about as much romantic experience as me. Do you think I have a crush?" I switch the light off and snuggle down under my blankets, feeling warm and light. "But who is the girl on the bridge?" I whisper into the dark. "What's going on there?"